Her Name was Charlie: the Kitten Who Died Suddenly

We are not a rescue, but we still end up with random cats that we try to help. Carl was adopted by a volunteer. Archimedes was adopted by other volunteers and a board member. Peyton was adopted by Marie. We have one kitten we are fostering (sort of) for a bit to help someone out. […]

My Five Year Wedding Anniversary in the Midst of a Divorce

My spouse chose Groundhogs Day for our wedding so she wouldn’t forget the date. It was a cute comment at the time. Until it wasn’t.  I never truly thought I would have a wedding day. In part because of marriage inequality, in part because my trauma demons told me I didn’t deserve one.  But we […]

A Blessed St. Brigid’s Day or Why I Hung a Scarf Outside

Today, February 1 is the Feast of St. Brigid. St. Brigid is the patron saint of babies, blacksmiths, boatmen, cattle farmers, children whose parents are not married, children whose mothers are mistreated by the children’s fathers, Clan Douglas, dairymaids, dairy workers, fugitives, Ireland, Leinster, mariners, midwives, milkmaids, nuns, poets, the poor, poultry farmers, poultry raisers, printing […]

I ♡ City Theatre and Hope You Do, Too

I very much enjoy live theater, you’ve probably noticed that in my blogging. Pittsburgh has multiple live theater companies and venues, from community theaters in McKeesport and Carnegie to mainstream denizens of Downtown. We are fortunate, but we are also divided. Honestly, there’s a discernible vibe between the community theaters and the Cultural District theaters. […]

To stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN on Fri Jan 30, 2026.

The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country – to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN. On Friday, January 30, join a nationwide day of no school, no work and no shopping.  The entire country is shocked and outraged at the brutal killings of […]

To stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN on Fri Jan 30, 2026.

The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country – to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN. On Friday, January 30, join a nationwide day of no school, no work and no shopping.  The entire country is shocked and outraged at the brutal killings of […]

You gave me strength to stand alone again. To face the world out of my own again

photo of a bllack laptop with a multicolor flower as the screensaver

This weekend, a friend gifted me with a new laptop. They bought it for me when my previous laptop died. I’ve been using the previous-previous laptop to that one, but it is a hot mess after years of churning out blog posts and social media content. It still works well enough compared to the one […]

Two Black Minnesota Women activists and a US Army Veteran called out a Christian pastor who works for ICE. Now they have been arrested.

UPDATE all three have been released Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen and William Kelly. Three community leaders and activists. Today, they were arrested by the federal government for their role in a recent protest at a St. Paul Christian Church helmed by an employee, an agent of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Some parishioners were […]

Successful winter cat shelter workshop builds community while helping caretakers

We had great time yesterday at the Betty White’s Birthday Winter Cat Shelter Workshop, Over 20 neighbors got together at Allegheny City Brewing on the Northside. Owner Amy donated the space and provided complimentary beverages. Nearby Bistro-to-Go sent coffee (January weather) and cheesecake bites (Betty White reference.) The good news outcome – we collectively made […]

Multiple Items Stolen Temporarily Shuts Down Local Pet Food Pantry

This project has operated for over a year without much incident. The few mishaps we had with pet distributions were miscommunication. People were helpful to each other, careful when they had to move bags around, quick to alert us of issues like a bag breaking open. Sadly in the past six weeks, we’ve had at […]